By London, England – The Premier League is set to kick off the 2024-25 season with a host of new rule changes aimed at refining the game and enhancing the fan experience. As the season begins this Friday with Manchester United hosting Fulham, the excitement that has been building since Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive title in May is palpable. These new regulations are expected to influence both the Premier League and the Football League, which commenced its season last weekend.
One of the key changes this season is the adjustment to the amount of time added on after a goal is scored. In response to the lengthy stoppage times witnessed last season, officials will now only start adding time 30 seconds after a goal, accounting for the time it takes players to return to their positions. The Premier League anticipates that this modification will result in a “significant drop” in additional time throughout the season.
Another notable change is the increase in the number of substitutes allowed to warm up simultaneously. This season, up to five players can warm up on the touchline at once, an increase from three last season. This change is expected to lead to a more congested touchline during matches.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, ball cones have become a common sight on the pitch, allowing players to quickly retrieve balls without relying on ball boys and girls. This season, the Premier League will reintroduce a limited version of the pre-pandemic ball assist system, where ball boys and girls can pass the ball directly to goalkeepers for quicker restarts.
The Football Association (FA) has also introduced several updates to the laws of the game, including new provisions for concussion substitutes and penalty kicks. Teams will now have access to additional permanent concussion substitutions across all competitions, enhancing player safety.
Penalty kick regulations have also been refined. The FA has clarified that encroachment by players during a penalty will only be penalized if it has a direct impact on the outcome. Additionally, the ball must now have at least part of it touching or overhanging the center of the penalty mark during a spot kick.
In a move to improve transparency, the Premier League has launched a new account on X (formerly Twitter) to provide “near-live” explanations of refereeing decisions. The PL Match Centre account will offer real-time updates on operational and officiating matters during matches, including the involvement of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and the role of technology in decision-making.
In response to fan confusion and frustration over last season’s handball penalties, officials have pledged to be more lenient this year, particularly in cases where the ball changes direction before making contact with a player’s hand. Former referee Kevin Friend explained that “soft penalties” for handball will be reduced, with the focus shifting to instances where the hand or arm is clearly used to block the ball from entering the box or goal.
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, these rule changes are expected to play a significant role in shaping the competition, offering a more streamlined and fairer experience for players and fans alike.
